hey guys, hows my first 223 load sound?

[FlyinBryan]

just finished my 1st ever batch of 223 remington.

will be firing out of bushmaster rifles with 20" and 16" heavy barrels. the rifles are chambered for 223-5.56

brass.......lake city once fired, sized trimmed and polished.
bullet.......hornady 55 gr. v-max
powder....24.5 gr hodgdon h335
o.a.l. ......2.235
primer......cci small rifle

this load was obtained from a lee loading manual and is designated as an intermediate load.


am i in the ballpark on these?

thx, bryan.

 

[Idano]

Bryan,

According to the Hodgdon's website you look like you're starting in right place.

.223 Remington
55 GR. SPR SP
Hodgdon H335 - 23.0 to 25.3 grains​

I would guess they will clock in between 3K and 3.1K fps.

 

[lgbloader]

Hey Bryan,

How many did you load and how did you load them? single stage or progressive? Have fun with them, Mate. Which reminds me... Did I forget to set the timer to my tumbler???

 

[04JRB]

That is the same load I use for my 12fv 1:9. It holds great groups for me. I worked up from 22 Gr to 25.5 Gr and that load was what my rifle liked best.

Although someone pointed out recently to me that is over 1 gr over max in Hornady's book.

 

[Doug b]

Bryan you might also try a mag. prime with H335.Works for me in 20" hbar bushmaster.

 

[HJ857]

I have a Bushmaster M4 and it has occasional problems locking the bolt back with loads under 25 grains. It's definitely happiest with loads near max which is 25.3 H335 from the Hodgdon sheet. Using 55g JSP's at an oal of 2.225 with the Lee FCD.

 

[dagger dog]

FB,

A lot of the time you'll find the mid power loads to be the most accurate also, plus it saves wear and tear on the brass, and you get more rounds per pound!